061: Day 74: Dubois to Hatchet Camp Ground, WY (we conquered the Continental Divide!!!!!): 48.1 miles today and 2788 in total.

We started off today to see how far we can climb the Rockies. We were, from the outset, worried about our bicycles. They were heavy and did not want to move. It was only later that we realised that the "flat" road sections were actually not so flat.  

Christine went to the store last night and purchased a can of bearspray. So, after some repetitions in the room, we were ready for the bears as well - Christine was ready with her voice and I brought up the rear carrying the can of bearspray on my hip - just like a cowboy. 

The mileage was for info only. We knew our campsite was 23 miles away and then a further 7 miles to the top of Togwotee Pass.

The road was beautiful and we soon began to see the higher mountains.

Christine in front of the Absarokas looking over the Dubois Valley.

We looked back now and then to see where we came from. At this point we were already higher than the mountains we could see at Dubois. 

I had no interest in these Corvettes (one of my favourite cars), as i was simply too tired to think of anything other than pedaling up this hill. 

Another factor that calmed our nerves were the fact that we saw many other cyclists - about ten passed us going up the mountain and about three going down. This gave us comfort that all drivers using the Pass must be familiar with cyclists.

Wonderful cabin for rent. 

Soon the high peaks became visible. it was a perfect day and we were doing very well.

This was a stop for an orange break.

At this point we passed the camp ground where we planned to stay and were still feeling good. So, we decided to push on for the summit.

Looking back, another "flat" section of road.

Looking forward, another beautiful view and almost "flat." We were about two miles from the summit and I was happily pushing some, cycling some. The gradient was fine, but I was quite tired. 

Christine at the top of the Pass.

Just off the summit we stopped at this beautiful Wind River Lake Picnic Site. People were catching fish, others were hiking and we sat down for a rest.

Here we met Rob Baxter, a freelance journalist who interviewed us. He also took some beautiful photos. 

After our rest we were very happy to also cross the Continental Divide. What made me wonder is why the top of the Pass is lower than the Continental Divide where the road also goes. ????

A beautiful meadow on top of the Rockies.

Going down was easy - we did not have to pedal much - but we were on our brakes all the time. We did not want to go too fast.

Also, we did not have to use the pepper spray - the Rangers are pushing the bear and her cubs away from the road and we did not see her at all. 

Soon we saw another beautiful mountin range - the Tetons - from the road. 

After about 48 miles for the day, we came to the Hatchet Camp Ground. It was already overflowing, but Louie, shown here in his Toyota Tundra with his slide on Camper, offered us his table and camping area. The camp host, Mike, was amenable to the idea and we pitched our tent quickly. Louie, came over to chat and gave us good advice of the area. He also offered hot water and coffee which we declined, but  could not say "No" to coffee in bed at 5:15 the next morning. 

We were very tired, but also very happy. Like the Beatles-song says, "all our troubles seemed so far away. ...."